Power manager with reconfigurable power converting circuits

ABSTRACT

A portable power manager device (100) includes a DC power bus (110) and a plurality of device ports (141, 142, and 143). A primary device port (143) is connectable to the DC power bus over a primary power channel that does not include a DC to DC power converter. A plurality of secondary device ports (141, 142) is each connectable to the DC power bus over a different reconfigurable power channel (151, 152). Each reconfigurable power channel includes a single one-way DC to DC power converter (220, 221). Each reconfigurable power channel is configurable by a digital data processor as one of three different circuit legs (230, 232, and 234). Leg (230) provides output power conversion. Leg (232) provides input power conversion. Leg (234) provides bi-directional power exchange without power conversion.

1 CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 55 U.S.C. § 119(e) toprovisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/257995 (Docket No.405592-538P01US) filed Nov. 20, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety and for all purposes.

2 COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. The following notice shall apply to this document:Copyright© Protonex Technology Corp.

3 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 3.1 Field of the Invention

The exemplary, illustrative, technology herein relates to a powermanager that includes a plurality of device ports that can each beconnected to a DC power bus over a different power channel. External DCpower devices connected to device ports can be connected to the powerbus over corresponding power channels by operating switches to connect agiven device port to the power bus. At least one of the power channelsis a reconfigurable converter power circuit that includes aunidirectional DC to DC power converter. The reconfigurable powercircuit can be reconfigured for three different functions: input signalvoltage conversion, output signal voltage conversion, and no voltageconversion.

3.2 The Related Art

Portable power manager devices are used to scavenge DC power fromexternal power devices, i.e. DC power sources and energy storage devicessuch as rechargeable DC batteries. The scavenged power received fromexternal DC power and energy sources is used to power a power busoperating on the portable power manager. External power devices thatneed power, i.e. DC power loads and or energy storage devices such asrechargeable DC batteries are interfaced to the power bus to draw powerfrom the power bus.

Conventional power managers include a plurality of device portsconnected to an internal DC power bus. An external DC power device isconnected to a device port. Typically each device port includes a directconnect power channel usable to directly connect an external powerdevice connected to a device port to the power bus without voltageconversion. In conventional power managers direct connect power channelsinclude a switch, operable by a digital processor operating on the powermanager, to directly connect an external DC power device to the powerbus or to disconnect the external power device from the power bus.

Conventional portable power manager devices use a fixed bus voltageselected to match the operating voltage of most of the external DC powerdevices that will be powered by or recharged by the power manger. Thuswhen the power manager is expected to be used to power 12VDC devices itsbus voltage operating range might be set at 12 to 15VDC. Thus wheneveran external DC power device has an operating voltage that is matched tothe bus voltage, that external power device can be connected to the DCpower bus over the direct connect power channel as long as othercriteria favor the connection. Thus each device port includes a directconnect power channel which is bidirectional and can be used to receiveinput power from an external power device or to deliver output power toan external power device as long as the external power device iscompatible with the bus voltage.

In conventional portable power managers each device port also may beassociated with a power converting power channel that includes either aninput DC to DC power converter or an output DC to DC power converter andat least one switch operable by the digital processor operating on thepower manager to connect an external DC power device to the power busover the power converter channel or to disconnect the external DC powerdevice from the power bus or to prevent the connection as needed. Incases where an external DC power device is a non-bus compatible DC poweror energy source usable to scavenge input power; the external device isconnected to the power bus over a power converting channel that includesan input power converter. In cases where an external DC power device isa non-bus compatible DC power load or rechargeable energy storage devicethat needs to be powered, the external device is connected to the powerbus over an output power DC to DC converter.

Examples of conventional portable power managers are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,775,846, entitled Portable Power Manager; U.S. Pat. No.8,638,011, entitled Portable Power Manager Operating Methods; and U.S.Pat. No. 8,633,619, entitled Power Managers and Methods for OperatingPower Managers all to Robinson et al. describing portable power managerdevices and operating methods. In these examples the power managerdevices include six device ports that can each be connected to a powerbus or disconnected from the power bus by operating switches under thecontrol or a digital process or CPU. The power bus operates at a fixedbus voltage which can vary slightly over a range. All six device portsinclude a direct connect bidirectional power channel that extends fromthe power bus to the device port. Each direct connect power channelincludes a switch operable by the digital processor. Thus any one of thesix device ports can be connected to the power bus over a direct connectpower channel when an external power device connected to the device portis a bus voltage compatible device and this includes any DC powersource, DC power load, or rechargeable battery that can be operated atthe bus compatible voltage.

The device disclosed by Robinson et al. includes a total of three DC toDC power converters with one power converter arranged as an input powerconverter and two power converters arranged as output power converters.More specifically the input power converter is shared by two input portsand each of the two output power converters is shared by two outputports. One problem with this configuration is that while there are sixdevice ports only three of the six device ports can use one of the threeDC to DC power converters at the same time. More specifically only oneinput device port can be connected to the power bus over an input powerconverting channel and only two output device ports can be connected tothe power bus over an output power converting channel at the same time.In practice this can result in situations where only three device portsor at least less than all six device ports can be utilized.

This problem can be solved by providing an input power convertingchannel and an output power converting channel between each device portand the power bus; however, such a device is more costly and increasesthe weight and device package size. Meanwhile there is a need in the artto decrease the cost weight and package size of conventional portablepower managers.

Another problem with conventional portable power managers that use afixed bus voltage is that the fixed power manager bus voltage tends tolimit the type of external DC power devices that it can be used with.Specifically a portable power manager having a fixed 12VDC bus voltageis best suited to scavenge power for external power devices that operateat 12VDC. However, for the reasons stated above, the same conventionalportable power manager is not as effective in an environment where mostexternal power devices that need to be powered by the power bus operateat 48VDC. Thus there is a need in the art to provide a power managerthat can operate at different bus voltages depending in part on theoperating voltage of external DC power devices that need to be connectedto the power bus.

4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems with conventional power managers described above areovercome by the present invention which includes a novel power mangerconfiguration and operating methods.

The power manger configuration includes a DC power bus, a digital dataprocessor, a memory device in communication with the digital dataprocessor and energy management schema operating on the digital dataprocessor. A single primary device port can be connected to the DC powerbus over a primary power channel. The primary power channel extendsbetween the primary device port and the DC power bus and includes aprimary switch operable by the digital data processor disposed along theprimary power channel.

The power manager includes at least one and preferably two converterdevice ports. Each converter device port includes a reconfigurable powerchannel that extends between the converter device port and the DC powerbus and includes a one-way DC to DC power converter having an inputterminal and an output terminal and a plurality of secondary switchesoperable by the digital data processor disposed along the converterpower channel. The reconfigurable power channel can be reconfigured intoone of three different power channel configurations by selectivelyopening and closing different ones of the plurality of secondaryswitches.

In one configuration (234) an external DC power device connected to aconverter device port is connected to the power bus with by closingsecondary switches (253) and (255) and opening secondary switches (257)and (259).

In another configuration (232) an external DC power device connected toa converter device port is connected to the input terminal of theone-way DC to DC power converter and the output terminal of the one-wayDC to DC power converter is connected to the power bus by closingsecondary switches (255) and (257) and opening secondary switches (253)and (259).

In another configuration (230) an external DC power device connected toa converter device port is connected to the output terminal of theone-way DC to DC power converter and the input terminal of the one-wayDC to DC power converter is connected to the power bus by closingsecondary switches (253) and (259) and opening secondary switches (255)and (257).

A method for operating a power manager includes polling by the digitaldata processor over a communication network all of the device ports todetermine, for each external DC power device connected to a device port,a device type and an operating voltage and other power characteristicsof each external DC power device. An energy management schema operatingon the digital data processor uses the power characteristics of eachexternal DC power device to determine the instantaneous input poweravailable from all of the external DC power devices electricallyinterfaced to a device port and the instantaneous power load beingdemanded by all of the external DC power devices electrically interfacedto a device port.

The energy management schema then sets an operating voltage of the DCpower bus to match an operating voltage of the primary external DC powerdevice so that the primary power device can be connected to the powerbus without requiring any power or voltage conversion by a DC to DCpower converter. The energy management schema then determines aconnection scheme for connecting external DC power devices interfacedwith different device ports to the DC power bus. Once the connectionscheme is determined, the primary power device is connecting to the DCpower bus by operating the closing the primary switch (261) and byreconfiguring the reconfigurable power channel as needed to connect eachsecondary power device to the DC power bus by operating correspondingsecondary switches and setting operating points for the one-way DC to DCpower converters.

These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent when theDescription below is read in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings.

5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention will best be understood from adetailed description of the invention and example embodiments thereofselected for the purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram of a non-limitingexemplary power manager according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary powermanager according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary cableassembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram of a non-limitingexemplary power manager according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram of a non-limitingexemplary power manager according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram of a non-limitingexemplary power manager according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram of a non-limitingexemplary power manager according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary flow diagram depicting a non-limitingexemplary power manager operating mode according to one aspect of thepresent invention.

6 DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 6.1 Definitions

The following definitions are used throughout, unless specificallyindicated otherwise:

TERM DEFINITION External Power Device A DC power load, a DC powersource, or a re-chargeable DC battery. Energy Management An energymanagement schema includes Schema various programs, firmware algorithms,and policy elements operating on a digital data processor to receiveinput power into a power manager from one or more device ports and todistribute output to external power devices connected to one or moredevice ports.

6.2 Item Number List

The following item numbers are used throughout, unless specificallyindicated otherwise.

# DESCRIPTION 100 Power manager 110 DC power bus 112 Power bus powersensor module 114 Network communication interface device 116 Internalbattery 120 Digital data processor 122 Memory module 130 Communicationchannel 141 First converter device port 142 Second converter device port143 Primary device port 151 First reconfigurable converter power circuit152 Second reconfigurable converter power circuit 153 Primary powerchannel 161 Secondary external DC power device 162 Secondary external DCpower device 163 Primary external DC power device 170 Power mangerenclosure 172 Enclosure side wall 174 Enclosure top wall 176 Physicalconnector 177 Physical connector 178 Physical connector 180 Shieldedcable 181 Distal end of cable 183 Proximal end of cable 184 Cable gland186 Cable conductive elements 200 Power manager enclosure 210 Convertercircuit power sensor module 211 Converter circuit power sensor module212 Primary channel power sensing module 220, 221 One-way DC to DC powerconverter 222 Power converter input terminal 224 Power converter outputterminal 230 Power converting output power channel 231 Power convertingoutput conductive pathway 232 Power converting input power channel 233Power converting input conductive pathway 234 Bus compatible powerchannel 235 Bus compatible conductive pathway 243 Converter channel leg245 Converter channel leg 247 Converter channel leg 249 Converterchannel leg 251 Primary leg 253 First configurable switch 312 255 Secondconfigurable switch 311 257 Third configurable switch 314 259 Fourthconfigurable switch 313 261 Primary configurable switch 300 Wireassembly

6.3 Exemplary System Architecture

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary, non-limiting power manager (100)according to the present invention is shown in schematic view. The powermanager (100) includes a digital data processor (120) and an associatedmemory module (122). The digital data processor (120) includes aprogrammable logic device operating an energy management schema programand carrying out logical operations such as communicating with externalDC power devices (161, 162, 163), connected to device ports (141, 142,143), managing the memory module (122) to store and recall data, readingsensor signals from power sensors, altering an operating voltage of a DCpower bus (110), and operating one or more reconfigurable power circuitsand related power channel control devices to establish a power networkoperable to exchange power from one external DC power device to another.

6.3.1 Variable Voltage DC Power Bus

Power manager (100) includes a variable voltage DC power bus (110). Anoperating voltage of the DC power bus (110) can be set by the digitaldata processor (120). In an example operating mode, the operatingvoltage of the DC power bus (110) is matched to an operating voltage ofan external DC power device (163) interfaced with a primary device port(143). The primary device port (143) is connected to the power bus (110)over a primary power channel that does not include a power converter.Accordingly the operating voltage of the primary external DC powerdevice (163) is always used to establish the operating voltage of the DCpower bus (110).

Power manager (100) includes a bus power sensor module (112) inelectrical communication with DC power bus (110) and in communicationdigital data processor (120) and operable to measure and reportinstantaneous DC voltage at the DC power bus (110) to the digital dataprocessor (120). Bus power sensor module (112) may determine one or moreof instantaneous power, instantaneous voltage, and/or instantaneouscurrent amplitude at the DC power bus (110).

6.3.2 Device Ports

The power manager (100) described below includes three device ports;however, any practical implementation that includes two or more deviceports is within the scope of the present invention. In each embodiment,the power manager includes a single primary device port (143) and one ormore secondary device ports (141, 142). Each device port provides awired electrical interface over which an external DC power device (161,162, and 163) can be electrically interfaced to the power manager by awire connection that at least includes a power channel. Each device port(141, 142, 143) also includes a communication channel or interface suchas SMBus or the like operable to provide a digital communication linkbetween the digital data processor (120), and an external DC powerdevice electrically interfaced with each device port. Each device port(141, 142, and 143) includes a power channel operable to exchange apower signal between the DC power bus (110) and an external DC powerdevice electrically interfaced to the device port. The communicationchannel can be a wired communication channel or a wireless communicationchannel. Also the power channel may include an inductive portion forpower exchange from the device port to an external DC power deviceacross a none-wire medium.

6.3.3 Cable Gland

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 in an exemplary, non-limiting, embodiment powermanager (200) includes a sealed and substantially weather and dust tightpower manager device enclosure (170) including a plurality of enclosureside walls (172) an enclosure top wall (174) and an opposing enclosurebottom wall opposed to the top wall (174). The enclosure (170) enclosescomponents of the power manager (100) including the digital dataprocessor (120), the DC power bus (110), and the power circuits andchannels (151, 152, and 153). In a non-limiting embodiment, the deviceports (141, 142, and 143) are connected to distal ends (181) of wirecables (180) that pass through the enclosure side walls (172) at aproximal end.

In a preferred embodiment each device port comprises a first physicalconnector or plug (176, 177, and 178) suitable for connecting to anexternal power device connected to the distal end (181) of wire or cable(180). Each first physical connector or plug is suitable for mating withany external DC power device having a comparable second physicalconnector or plug. In a preferred embodiment external DC power devicesare easily connected to or disconnected from any one of the firstphysical connectors to electrically interface with the power manager.

Referring to FIG. 3 which depicts a wire assembly (300), each deviceport includes a cable gland (184) passing through one of the enclosureside walls (172). The wire cables (180) each preferably comprise ashielded cable wherein a proximal end (183) of each wire cable passesthrough a different cable gland (184) and a distal end (181) of each thewire cables is terminated by a first physical connector (176, 177, and178). Each cable gland (184) passes through an aperture passing throughan enclosure side wall (172) and is attached to and mechanicallysupported by the enclosure side wall (172). Each wire cable (180)includes conductive elements (186) enclosed by a cable shielding layerwhich is further enclosed by an electrically insulating cable outercovering. Some of the conductive elements (186) at the proximate end ofeach wire cable are electrically interfaced with one of the powerchannels (151, 152, and 153) which provide a conductive path to the DCpower bus (110). Some of the conductive elements (186) at the proximalend of each wire cable may be electrically interfaced with one of thecommunication channels (130). The conductive elements (186) at thedistal end (181) of each wire cable are electrically interfaced with adifferent first physical connector (141, 142, and 143) which includesone or more power channels and may include one or more wiredcommunication channels. Each cable (180) enters the cable gland (183)from outside the enclosure side wall (172) and the cable shielding layerand the electrically insulating cable outer covering the shielding layerare gripped by the cable gland (184) in a manner that electricallygrounds the cable shielding layer to a corresponding enclosure sidewall(172) and secures the distal end to the cable gland. A similar cablegland (184), cable and enclosure wall interface is disclosed in commonlyowned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/081,461 entitled Cable GlandAssembly by Long et al. filed on Mar. 25, 2016, which is herebyincorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

6.3.4 Communication Network

Referring now to FIG. 1 the power manager (100) includes a communicationnetwork (130). The communication network (130) includes one or morenetwork or similar communication interface devices (114) and a pluralityof communication channels interconnecting various internal devices andmodules to the digital data processor (120) for digital communication.The communication network (130) optionally includes additional networkcommunication interface devices (114) operable to communicate with otherpower managers, e.g. over a peer-to-peer network, as well as to gainaccess to a Wide Area Network (WAN), e.g. over a cellular networkinterface device, and or to communicate with WAN based devices such apolicy server, authentication module or the like, operating on one ormore WAN based servers. Each wireless network interface device (114) isconfigured to receive communication signals configured in a firstcommunication protocol structure and to translate the firstcommunication protocol signals to a second communication protocolstructure as needed to facilitate communication between devicesconfigured to use different communication protocols. The communicationchannels also may extend between internal modules of the power manager(100) without passing over the digital data processor (120) and mayinclude analog channels for exchanging analog signals including powersignals. Each device port (141, 142, and 143) is connected with thedigital data processor (120) over at least one communication networkchannel. Accordingly when an external power device is connected with anyone of the device ports the external DC power device joins thecommunication network established by the communication interface device(114) for communication with the digital data processor (120).

The communication network (130) optionally includes a variety ofcommunication channel types, e.g. using different network protocols,suitable for digital data communications. The communication channeltypes may include analog signal conductors or the like for exchanginganalog signals between electronic modules operating on the power manager(100). The communication network (130) is primarily a wiredcommunication network housed inside the enclosure (170). Wirelesscommunication channels are optionally provided such that in someembodiment's wireless communication channels are usable to communicatewith external DC power devices or with other power managers and withnetwork devices reachable on a Wide Area Network (WAN).

The various communication channel types may include one or more of awired network using a wire network communication protocol, e.g. the IEEE802.3 wired Local Area Networks (LAN) protocols which include Ethernetand Power over Ethernet (PoE), System Management Bus (SMBus), UniversalSerial Bus (USB), Recommended Standard 232 (RS232), or the like. Thevarious communication channel types may include wireless networks basedon any one of the IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)protocols which include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any one of the IEEE 802.11WLAN protocols, and one or more cellular network protocols e.g. 3G, 4G,LTE, etc.

Additionally the communication network (130) may include conductivepaths, wires or the like, for exchanging analog or digital signalsbetween electronic components of the power manager such as variousswitches, sensors, and power converters and the digital data processor(120). In particular, the communication network (130) extends from thedigital data processor (120) to each controllable element of the powermanager (100) including switching elements (253, 255, 257, 259, 261),the DC power bus sensor (112), other power sensors (210, 211, and 212)and power converters (220, 221) to deliver control signals thereto andto receive sensor signals, or the like, therefrom. The control signalsinclude configuration and setting instructions for operating eachcontrollable element to receive and distribute power according to theenergy management schema. The communication channels extending to deviceports may comprise a one-wire identification interface configured toenable the digital data processor (120) to query a connected externalpower device (161, 162, and 163) for power characteristics information.

6.3.5 Power Manager Battery

The power manager (100) includes an optional internal rechargeablebattery (116). If present, the internal battery (116) provides power tothe digital data processor (120). The internal battery is a rechargeablebattery (116) that can be charged when the power manager (100) isoperably connected to a power source or external battery capable ofproviding charge. The internal battery (116) provides power to digitaldata processor (120), enabling the functioning of the power manager(100), when power sufficient for operation of the power manager is notavailable from a power source or rechargeable battery connected to adevice port (161, 162, 163).

Alternatively, power sensors (210, 212) are operable to detect andoperating voltage and or input power available from a connected externalpower source or rechargeable DC battery without any communication withthe external device and to use the available input power to operate thedigital data processor (120) or recharge the internal battery (116).

6.3.6 Primary Power Channel

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, power manager (100) includes a primarydevice port (143) which is electrically connectable to a primaryexternal DC power device (163) and a DC power bus (110). The primaryexternal DC power device (163) is any external DC power device that canbe connected to any one of the primary device port (143) or thesecondary device ports (141) or (142). The primary power channel (153)includes only one power channel extending from the primary device port(143) to the DC power bus (110) and is configurable a as bidirectionalpower channel operable as an input power channel or as an output powerchannel without voltage or power conversion and without currentattenuation.

Primary power channel (153) includes a bidirectional conductor orprimary leg (251) that extends between primary device port (143) and DCpower bus (110) and allows current flow either from the primary externalDC power device (163) to the DC power bus (110) or from the DC power bus(110) to the primary external DC power device (163). A primaryconfigurable switch (261) is disposed along primary leg (251) betweenthe primary device port (143) and DC power bus (110). Digital dataprocessor (120) is in communication with primary configurable switch(261) over the communication network (130) and is operable to sendcontrol signals to the primary configurable switch (261). Digital dataprocessor (120) can set primary configurable switch (261) in an openposition to block flow of current over the primary leg (251) or in aclosed position to allow an input power signal to pass from primarydevice port (143) to DC power bus (110) or to allow an output powersignal to pass from power bus (110) to the primary external DC powerdevice (163) over the primary device port (110), thereby connectingprimary external DC power device (163) to DC power bus (110).

Primary power channel (153) optionally includes a primary channel powersensor module (212) associated with primary device port (143) and incommunication with digital data processor (120) over the communicationnetwork (130). The primary channel power sensor module (212) isconfigured to measure power characteristics of power signals passingover the primary power channel (153) including one or more ofinstantaneous power amplitude, instantaneous voltage amplitude, andinstantaneous current amplitude and to report amplitude measurementresults to digital data processor (120).

6.3.7 Reconfigurable Converter Power Circuit

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4-7 the power manager (100) furtherincludes at least one and in the present embodiment two converter orsecondary device ports (141, 142) each of which is electricallyconnectable to a secondary external DC power device (161, 162). Eachsecondary external DC power device (161, 162) is any external DC powerdevice that can be connected to any one of the primary device port (143)or the secondary device ports (141) or (142). Each reconfigurable powercircuit (151, 152) extends between a different converter or device port(141, 142) and the DC power bus (110). Each reconfigurable power circuit(151, 152) is independently operated by the digital data processor (120)as needed to transfer power between a connected secondary external DCpower device (161, 162) and the DC power bus (110) or to transfer powerfrom the DC power bus (110) to the connected secondary external DC powerdevice (161, 162). Each converter device port (141, 142) includes acommunication channel, operably connectable to an external secondary DCpower device (161, 162) interfaced therewith. The communication channelis part of the communication network (130), which enables communicationsbetween the digital data processor (120) and each of the secondaryexternal DC power device (161, 162) interfaced with a converter deviceport (141, 142).

The reconfigurable converter power circuits (151, 152) each include oneor more secondary power channels or conductors that extends from adifferent converter or secondary device port (141, 142) to the DC powerbus (110). Each secondary power channel includes a differentunidirectional DC to DC power converter (220, 221) disposed between acorresponding device port and the DC power bus. Each reconfigurableconverter power circuit (151, 152) includes power channel circuitry thatis configurable to provide any one of a unidirectional power convertinginput power channel (232), shown in FIG. 6, a unidirectional powerconverting output power channel (230), shown in FIG. 5, and abidirectional power channel (234), shown in FIG. 7 wherein thebidirectional power channel (234) is usable as an input power channel oran output power channel without voltage conversion.

Each reconfigurable converter power channel (151, 152) includes adifferent converter circuit power sensor module (210, 211). Eachconverter circuit power sensor module is disposed proximate to acorresponding converter device port (141, 142) in order to sense powercharacteristic of power signals either entering or exiting the converterdevice port (141, 142). Each converter circuit power sensor module is incommunication with the digital data processor (120) and is operable tomeasure power characteristics of a bidirectional power signal includingone or more of instantaneous power, instantaneous voltage, andinstantaneous current and to report measurement results to the digitaldata processor (120).

Each controllable unidirectional DC to DC voltage or power converter(220, 221) includes an input terminal (222) and an output terminal(224). Each DC to DC power converter (220, 221) is unidirectionalbecause a power signal can only be power converted or current modulatedwhen the power signal is directed from the input terminal (222) to theoutput terminal (224). Specifically, a power signal entering through theinput terminal (222) is power converted and or current modulatedaccording to power conversion and amplitude modulation settings receivedfrom the digital data processor (120). The power converted output signalexiting output terminal (224) has one of a different voltage or adifferent current amplitude, or both and may have a different totalpower amplitude as compared to the input power signal.

The DC to DC power converter (220) can be configured to convert in inputsignal voltage to a different output signal voltage by either steppingthe input voltage up or stepping the input voltage down as required toadjust the output signal voltage exiting from the output terminal (224)to a desired voltage amplitude. Optionally the DC to DC power converteris further configured to modulate the current amplitude of the inputpower signal as required to adjust the output signal current amplitudeexiting from the output terminal (224) to a desired current amplitude.Generally the power converter operates to modulate current amplitudepassing over the power converter between substantially zero and amaximum available current amplitude, i.e. the entire instantaneouscurrent amplitude of the input signal is passed through the powerconverter without modulation.

In an exemplary operating mode, the digital data processor (120)determines if an external DC power device connected to a converter orsecondary device port (161, 162) is a DC power source, a rechargeable DCbattery, or a DC power load, either by communicating with the externalDC power device to determine a device type and other information such asthe operating voltage range, state of charge, or the like, or bydetermining an instantaneous voltage based on a sensor signal receivedfrom the converter circuit power sensor module (210). Once the devicetype and voltage requirements of the device are determined the energymanagement schema operating on the digital data processor makes adetermination about whether to connect the external power device to theDC power bus or not and further makes a determination about how toconfigure the relevant reconfigurable circuit (151, 152) to make theconnection.

Each reconfigurable converter power circuit (151, 152) includes fourconfigurable switches (253), (255), (257), and (259). Each configurableswitch is operable to direct a power signal over a desired conductiveflow path or to prevent the power signal from flowing over theconductive flow path. Digital data processor (120) is in communicationwith each of the four configurable switches via the communicationnetwork (130) and is operable to send an independent control signal toeach switch. Each configurable switch (253, 255, 257, and 259) can betoggled to an open (off) position, to prevent current flow across theswitch or toggled to a closed (on) position to allow current flow acrossthe switch. Similarly the configurable switch (261) used in the primarypower channel (153) can be toggled to an open (off) position, to preventcurrent flow across the switch or toggled to a closed (on) position toallow current flow across the switch.

In an exemplary embodiment, configurable switches (253, 255, 257, and259) of the reconfigurable power circuits (251, 253) and theconfigurable switch (261) of the primary power channel (153) are singlepole single throw type switches. Alternatively, the switches can beimplemented with multiple throws, multiple poles. The switches caninclude Field Effect Transistors (FETs), e.g. MOSFETs, Power FETs,e-MOSFETs, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, each reconfigurable converter power circuit(151, 152) includes multiple power channels (230, 232, and 234) eachcomprising multiple converter channel legs (243, 245, 247, and 249). Asshown in the Figures, bidirectional current flow over each leg isindicated by solid double-headed arrows, e.g. as shown on the primarypower channel (153) and unidirectional current flow over each leg isindicated by solid single headed arrows, e.g. as shown on converterpower circuit (230). Converter device port (141, 142), DC power bus(110), switches (253, 255, 257, and 259) and one-way DC to DC powerconverter (220) are interconnected by the converter channel legs (243,245, 247, and 249) to provide various current flow paths or circuitconfigurations as may be required to distribute power to or receivepower from an external converter power device connected to a secondarydevice port.

Reconfigurable converter power circuits (151, 152) are configurable totransfer power signals between converter or secondary device ports (141,142) and the DC power bus (110) in either direction i.e., from converterdevice port (141, 142) to DC power bus (110) or from DC power bus (110)to converter device port (141, 142) with or without power conversion byconfiguring the state of each of the configurable switches (253, 255,257, and 259) in patterns of open and closed positions and byconfiguring the state of each DC to DC power converter (120) for powerconverting or non-power converting modes. Patterns of open and closedpositions and of on and off configurations are set forth in Table 1.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, patterns of configurable switch open andclosed positions, power converter on and off configurations, andcorresponding electrical current flow paths are shown for each of themultiple power channels (230, 232, and 234). Blackened circles representclosed switches, bolded power converter (220) outlines represent “on”state of the power converter, and bolded arrows represent activeconverter channel legs, i.e. channel legs over which electrical currentcan flow given the specified patterns of open and closed switchpositions and power converter setting.

Primary power channel (153) is configured as an input/output powerchannel by closing primary configurable switch (261). In this case aninput power signal received from a primary external DC power source orrechargeable battery connected to the primary device port (143) isdirected to the DC power bus (110) without power conversion. Likewisewhen a primary external power load or rechargeable DC battery to becharged is connected to primary device port (143) an output power signalreceived from the DC power bus (110) is directed to primary device port(143) without power conversion.

Referring now to FIG. 5, each reconfigurable converter power circuit(151, 152) can be configured as a power converting output power channel(230) comprising power converting output conductive pathway (231) byopening switches (255) and (257), closing switches (253) and (259), andconfiguring the one-way DC to DC power converter (220) for the requiredpower conversion. In this case an output power signal received from theDC power bus (110) is directed to the input terminal (222) of DC to DCpower converter (220). The DC to DC power converter is configured toperform whatever voltage conversion is required to convert the outputpower signal to a voltage that is compatible with powering whateversecondary external DC power device is connected to the correspondingsecondary device port (141, 142). Additionally if needed, the DC to DCpower converter (220) can be operated to modulate current amplitude ofthe output power signal being voltage converted. The power convertedoutput power signal is directed from the output terminal (224) of the DCto DC power converter (220) to converter device port (141, 142). In thisconfiguration, power characteristics of the output power signal aremonitored by the converter circuit power sensor module (210) and thepower characteristics at the DC power bus (110) are monitored by thepower bus sensor module (112).

Referring now to FIG. 6, each reconfigurable converter power circuit(151, 152) can be configured as a power converting input power channel(232), comprising power converting input conductive pathway (233), byclosing switches (255) and (257), opening switches (253) and (259), andconfiguring the DC to DC power converter (220) to make the necessaryvoltage conversion. In this case an input power signal received from asecondary external DC power source or rechargeable battery connected toone of the device port (141, 142) is directed to the input terminal(222) of the DC to DC power converter (220). The DC to DC powerconverter is configured to perform whatever voltage conversion isrequired to convert the input power signal to a bus compatible voltageand the converted input power signal is passed to the DC power bus(110). Additionally, if needed, the DC to DC power converter (220) canbe operated to modulate the current amplitude of the input power signalbeing voltage converted. The power converted input power signal isdelivered from the output terminal (224) to DC power bus (110). In thisconfiguration, power characteristics of the input power signal aremonitored by the converter circuit power sensor module (210) and thepower characteristics at the DC power bus (110) are monitored by thepower bus sensor module (112).

Referring now to FIG. 7, each reconfigurable converter power circuit(151, 152) can be configured to a bus-compatible power channel (234),comprising bus-compatible conductive pathway (235), by opening switches(257) and (259), closing switches (253) and (255), and turning offone-way DC to DC power converter (220). In this configuration the powerchannel (234) is bi-directional such that any external power device thathas a bus compatible operating voltage can be connected to the DC powerbus (110) without power conversion. In the case where the secondarypower device connected to a secondary device port is an external DCpower source or a rechargeable DC battery having available chargedstored thereon, an input power signal can be directed to the DC powerbus (110) without power conversion. Conversely when the secondary powerdevice connected to a secondary device port is an external DC power loador rechargeable battery than can accept charging power, an output powersignal can be directed from the DC power bus (110) to the connectedexternal power device without power conversion.

Table 1 includes configuration of the configurable switches and of DC toDC power converter (220) corresponding with the three configurations ofthe reconfigurable converter power circuits (151, 152) described above.

TABLE 1 Reconfigurable converter power circuit (151, 152) power channelconfiguration Power control element Configuration Power convertingSwitch 1 (255) Open output power Switch 2 (253) Closed channel (230)Switch 3 (259) Closed (FIG. 5) Switch 4 (257) Open Power converter (220)On Power converting Switch 1 (255) Closed input power Switch 2 (253)Open channel (232) Switch 3 (259) Open (FIG. 6) Switch 4 (257) ClosedPower converter (220) On Bus compatible Switch 1 (255) Closed powerchannel (234) Switch 2 (253) Closed FIG. (7) Switch 3 (259) Open Switch4 (257) Open Power converter (220) Off Initial State Switch 1 (255) OpenSwitch 2 (253) Open Switch 3 (259) Open Switch 4 (257) Open Powerconverter (220) Off

6.3.8 External Power Devices

External DC power devices can be connected to any one of the deviceports described above. An external DC power device includes a primaryexternal DC power device (163) interfaced with primary device port (143)and one or more secondary external DC power devices (161, 162), eachinterfaced with a different converter device port (141, 142). Externalpower devices include DC power loads, DC power sources and rechargeableDC batteries. Rechargeable DC batteries can be used as a DC power sourceduring discharge or as a DC power load or charging load during charging.Generally a DC power load has minimum power amplitude or minimum powerload required to operate the power load. In addition the DC power loadcharacteristics may include a peak power load required during someoperating states. For DC power loads, the energy management schema isconfigured to at least allocate the minimum power and if theinstantaneous power available from the DC power bus does not provide atleast the required minimum power load the DC power load is not connectedto the power bus. Otherwise each power load connected to a device portis connected to the power bus and allocated at least the minimum powerload.

In some instances, a DC power load includes a rechargeable batteryinstalled therein and it is the rechargeable battery that is interfacedto a device port and not the power load. In this case the energymanagement schema classifies the connected power device as arechargeable battery and manages power allocation to the rechargeablebattery and not to the power load.

For DC power sources, and rechargeable DC batteries that have afavorable state of charge (SoC) the energy management schema isconfigured to select the best available power source or rechargeable DCbatteries to power the DC power bus and to connect at least one powersources to the DC power bus, however two or more power sources can beconnected to the power bus at the same time. For rechargeable DCbatteries that have an unfavorable state of charge, these devices aretreated as charging loads and the energy management schema is operableto direct any unallocated power, e.g. not allocated to a DC power load,to one or more rechargeable DC batteries that have an unfavorable stateof charge. However in this case there is no minimum power allocation fora charging load.

More generally, the digital data processor and energy management schemaoperating thereon are operable to select which external power devices toconnect to the DC power bus or to disconnect from the DC power bus e.g.after communicating with the external power device or in response tochanges in the power network. Additionally the digital data processorand energy management schema are operable to deliver power to or receivepower from any one of the external DC power devices connected to any oneof the device ports as warranted by instantaneous characteristics of thepower network. As such the power manager and all the connected externalDC power devices comprise a power network for exchanging power from oneexternal power device to another while also consuming power to operatethe components of the power manager and due to power losses due to powerconversions being performed by the DC to DC power converters. Moreover,the power network can be changed when a user disconnects one external DCpower device and replaces it with another. Additionally as chargingpower is delivered to connected rechargeable DC batteries and or removedfrom connected rechargeable DC batteries the state of charge of eachconnected DC battery is changed thereby changing instantaneous powerconditions of the entire power network.

External DC power sources can include any source of DC power, forexample: a solar blanket or fuel cell; a vehicle battery or the like; awind, water, or mechanical driven power generator; an AC power gridsource connected to a device port over an external AC to DC powerconvertor; a DC power source connected to a device port over an externalDC to DC power convertor; or the like, as long as the input DC powervoltage is either compatible with the instantaneous DC voltage of the DCpower bus or can be converted to a bus compatible voltage by one ofpower converters of the reconfigurable converter power circuits (151,152).

Power loads can be connected to the DC power bus (110) to receive powertherefrom as long as the power load is either compatible with theinstantaneous DC voltage of the DC power bus or can be converted to abus compatible voltage by one of power converters of the reconfigurableconverter power circuits (151, 152). Typical power loads include a DCpower device such as most battery operated or DC powered portabledevices, such as computers, audio systems including hand held radios,telephones or smart phones, other telecommunications equipment,instruments including navigation systems, weapons, systems, night visionand other photo sensing devices, medical devices, power tools, DClighting, vehicle power loads, or the like.

Rechargeable DC batteries can be connected to the DC power bus (110) toreceive power therefrom or deliver power thereto as long as rechargeablebattery voltage is either compatible with the instantaneous DC voltageof the DC power bus or can be converted to a bus compatible voltage byone of power converters of the reconfigurable converter power circuits(151, 152). A rechargeable DC battery can be discharged to the DC powerbus as a power source or charged by the DC power bus (110) whenunallocated power is available therefrom.

As noted above the DC voltage of the DC power bus is matched to theoperating voltage of whatever external DC power device is connected tothe primary device port (143). Thus according to one aspect of thepresent invention a user can connect a DC power source to the primarydevice port to receive all the source input power without powerconversion in order to avoid power converting an input power source andtherefore avoiding power conversion losses due to power converting theinput power source.

6.4 Exemplary Operating Modes

The following Examples of operational modes are provided to illustratecertain aspects of the present invention and to aid those of skill inthe art in practicing the invention. These Examples are in no way to beconsidered to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

6.4.1.1 First Exemplary Operating Mode

In a first exemplary, non-limiting operating mode, at least two externalDC power devices (161, 162, 163) are connected to device ports of apower manager (100) but the device ports are not yet connected to thepower bus (110) over a corresponding power circuit (151, 152, 153).

Referring now to FIG. 8, in a step (805) the digital processor (120),according to an energy management schema program operating thereon,polls each device port using communication channels (130) to determineif an external power device is connected to the device port.

In a step (810) the digital data processor determines a device type foreach external DC power device connected to a device port.

In a step (815) the digital data processor determines an operatingvoltage range and other operating and or power characteristics of eachexternal DC power device connected to a device port.

In one non-limiting operating mode related to steps (805) through (815),the device type and the other power characteristics of each external DCpower device (161, 162, 163) are read from digital data stored on theexternal DC power device or stored on a smart cable or other digitaldata processor or data storage device reachable by the digital processor(120).

In another non-limiting operating mode related to steps (805) through(815), the device type and the other power characteristics aredetermined at least in part from information obtainable from one or moredevice port sensors (210, 211, 212) and/or from information stored onthe memory module (122). In one example operating mode the device typeand other power characteristics are based on device port sensorinformation such as signal voltage, current amplitude, and/or poweramplitude measurements which can be measured without connecting thedevice port to the power bus. In addition the energy management schemais operable to compare the device port sensor information with powercharacteristics of various external DC power device types that arestored in a look-up table, or the like, on the memory module (122). As aresult of the comparison of the sensor information and look-up tabledata the energy management schema can determine a device type and thepower characteristics of the external DC power device without readingdigital data from the connected external power device.

In a step (820) the digital data processor (120) uses the energymanagement schema to select an operating voltage of the DC power bus(110). In all cases where an external power device (163) is connected tothe primary device port (143), the operating voltage of the DC power bus(110) is matched to the operating voltage of the primary external DCpower device (163). In cases where there is no primary external DC powerdevice (163) connected to the primary device port (143), a power networkis still established as long as the power network includes at least twosecondary external DC power devices (161, 162) with each DC power deviceconnected to a different secondary converter device port (141) or (142).However if a power network is not established or if a more efficientconfiguration is available, an error message may be generated by thedigital data processor to instruct a user to connect at least oneexternal DC power device to the primary device port.

In a step (825) the digital data processor (120), using the energymanagement schema, determines a device priority, if any, for eachexternal DC power device. The device priority may be read from theexternal power device or may be assigned by the energy management schemaaccording one or more default priority settings and/or instantaneousnetwork conditions.

In a step (830) the digital data processor (120) determines theinstantaneous input power amplitude and the instantaneous output powerload demand of the present power network.

In a step (835) the digital data processor (120) allocates availableinput power to one or more power loads connected to a device port andallocates any unallocated power to charge one or more rechargeable DCbatteries connected to a device port.

In a step (840) the digital data processor (120) determines how eachexternal DC power device will be connected to the DC power bus, e.g.over the primary power channel, or over one leg of one of thereconfigurable power channels (151, 153).

In a step (845) the digital data processor (120) determines any voltageconversions that need to be made in order to connect each secondarypower device (161, 162) to the DC power bus (110) and sets appropriatevoltage conversion settings for each of the DC to DC power converters(220, 221).

In a step (850) the digital data processor (120) operates one or more ofthe configurable switches (261) on the primary power channel (153) andor (253, 255, 257, and 259) on the reconfigurable power channels (151,151) as required to connect appropriate external DC power devices to thepower bus over the selected circuit leg and or to disconnect appropriateexternal DC power devices from the power bus as required to allocatepower according to the power allocation plan established by the energymanagement schema.

In a step (855) the above described steps are repeated at a refresh rateof 20 to 100 msec with the exception that during the initial state priorto repeating step (805) some or all of the device ports are alreadyconnected to the DC power bus (110), the type and power characteristicsof each external power device and the operating voltage of the DC powerbus (110) already may be known and some or all of the switch positionsand DC to DC power conversion settings can be maintained if warranted bythe present state of the power network.

In a step (860) the above described steps are repeated whenever there isa change in the network configuration, e.g. when a user physicallyconnects an external DC power device to or disconnects an external DCpower device from the power manager (100) or if the power bus sensormodule (112) detects a low bus voltage condition that is below athreshold operating DC power bus voltage.

As noted above, an external DC power load is allocated the full powerload demanded thereby unless the full power load allotment is notavailable. When the full power load allotment is not available, theexternal DC power load is disconnected from the DC power bus if it wasalready connected, or the external DC power load is not connected to thepower bus if it had not been previously connected.

Also as noted above: each external rechargeable DC battery ischaracterized either as a power source, from which stored energy isdrawn to power the DC power bus (110), or as an energy storage device,to which energy is delivered to increase the state of charge of therechargeable DC battery. However unlike power loads, rechargeable DCbatteries can be charged without allocating full charging power, e.g.trickle charged. In other words rechargeable batteries are charged withwhatever level of unallocated power amplitude is available, as long asthe available power amplitude does not exceed the batteries' maximumcharging rate.

Thus the energy management schema operates to determine instantaneouslyavailable input power amplitude from all external DC power sourcesand/or rechargeable DC batteries that are connected to a device port andto determine an instantaneous output power demand or load required tomeet the full power load of all DC power loads connected to a deviceport. Thereafter the energy management schema operates to allocate afull power load to as many DC power loads as can be powered by theinstantaneously available power. Once all or as many of the power DCloads that can be powered have been allocated full power, all externalDC power loads that did not receive a power allocation are disconnectedfrom the power bus (110). Thereafter if there is any unallocated powerleft over, the unallocated power is distributed to one or morerechargeable batteries, if any, that are connected to device ports.Additionally when there is insufficient input power available from apower source to power high priority power loads, the energy managementschema is operable to discharge one or more rechargeable DC batteriesconnected to device ports in order to power the high priority powerloads. In other words when additional input power is required to powerDC power loads, rechargeable DC batteries are used as a DC power sourceby discharging one or more rechargeable DC batteries to the DC power busin order to power DC power loads connected to device ports. Additionallythe energy management schema is operable to discharge one or morerechargeable DC batteries connected to device ports in order to chargeother rechargeable batteries connected to device ports, e.g. to levelthe state of charge of all the rechargeable batteries connected todevice ports.

To select a power bus operating voltage, the digital data processor(120) polls the primary device port (143) to gather powercharacteristics of a connected primary power device (163). The digitaldata processor then sets an operating voltage of the DC power bus (110)to match the operating voltage of the primary external DC power device(163). In one example embodiment, the digital data processor (120)queries a look up table or the like stored in the associated memorymodule (122). The look-up table lists a plurality of discreet DC busvoltage operating voltages, including a default bus voltage operatingvoltage. The digital data processor then selects an operating voltage ofthe DC bus from the list of discreet operating voltages with theselected discreet operating voltage most closely matched to theoperating voltage of the primary external DC power device (163).

The preselected list of bus voltage operating points is chosen to matchthe operating voltage ranges of standard primary external DC powerdevices (163) that are commonly used with the power manager. In onenon-limiting example embodiment, the power manager is designed formilitary use and includes operating voltage ranges typical of hand heldor man-portable military devices and portable military batteries. Suchman-portable devices may include radios, computers, navigation systems,and instruments each having an operating voltage range centered on anyone of 6, 12, 24, 30, and 42 VDC. The operating voltage ranges of the DCto DC power converters (220, 221) are selected to provide voltageconversion over the operating voltage ranges of the standard primaryexternal DC power devices (163) that are commonly used with the powermanager which in the present non-limiting example embodiment is avoltage range of between 5 and 50 VDC; however a larger range is usablewithout deviating from the present invention.

More specifically any external DC power device having an operatingvoltage range with its mid-point that falls between 5 and 50 volts DCcan be connected to the DC power bus over any of the device ports (141,142, and 143). In a preferred embodiment the power converters (220, 221)are configured for making power conversions over a voltage range of 5 to50 VDC. Thus with the DC bus voltage set to 5 VDC the power convertersare capable of converting the 5 VDC bus voltage to any voltage in therange of 5 to 50VDC at each secondary device port. Similarly with the DCbus voltage set to 50 VDC, the power converters are capable ofconverting the 50 VDC bus voltages to any voltage in the range of 5 to50 VDC at each secondary device port. In other embodiments, the powermanager (100) can be constructed to operate at other bus voltage rangesdepending on the application and the availability of appropriate DC toDC power converters.

6.4.1.2 Exemplary Operating Mode for a First Network Configuration

Still referring to FIG. 8 and steps (805) through (860), during steps(805)-(815) the digital data processor (120) determines that a primaryexternal DC power device (163) interfaced with a primary device port(143) is a DC power source with an operating voltage approximatelycentered on 24VDC, that a secondary external DC power device (161)connected to converter device port (141) is a rechargeable DC batterywith an operating voltage approximately centered on 12VDC, and that asecondary external DC power device (162) connected to converter deviceport (142) is a DC power load having an operating voltage approximatelycentered around 32 VDC.

In steps (820) and (825) the energy management schema sets the power busDC operating voltage at 24 VDC and determines that the DC power sourceconnected to the primary device port (143) has the highest sourcepriority and that the DC power load connected to device port (142) hasthe highest load priority.

In steps (830) and (835) the energy management schema determines theinstantaneous input power available from the DC power source connectedto device port (143) as well as the instantaneous input power availablefrom the rechargeable DC battery connected to the device port (141). Theenergy management schema determines the instantaneous power load beingdemanded by the DC power load connected to the device port (142) andbased on the State of Charge (SoC) and energy storage capacity of therechargeable DC battery connected to the device port (141) determines aninstantaneous power load associated with the rechargeable DC battery.Thereafter the instantaneous input power is allocated first to the DCpower load connected to device port (142) because the DC power loads hasthe highest load priority, and second to recharge the rechargeable DCbattery connected to device port (141). If the instantaneous input poweramplitude meets or exceeds the instantaneous power load being demandedby the DC power load, the full instantaneous power load being demandedby the DC power load is allocated. If not, no power is allocated to bythe DC power load connected to the device port (142). If theinstantaneous input power amplitude exceeds the instantaneous power loadbeing demanded by the DC power load, the excess unallocated power isallocated to recharge the rechargeable DC battery connected to thedevice port (141). If the instantaneous input power amplitude is lessthan the instantaneous power load being demanded by the DC power load,no power is allocated to the DC power load and the instantaneous inputpower amplitude is fully allocated to recharge the rechargeable DCbattery connected to the device port (141). In cases where neithersolution is workable, e.g. when the instantaneous input power amplitudeexceeds the power demand on the network or may damage the network, theinstantaneous input power is rejected and a new solution is attempted,e.g. to use the rechargeable DC battery connected to the device port(141) to power the DC power load connected to the device port (142).

In steps (840)-(850) the energy management schema determines aconnection scheme for connecting each device to the DC power bus (110)according to the power allocation scheme. Along the primary powerchannel (153) the switch (261) is closed to connect the primary deviceport (143) and the connected DC power source to the power bus. This steppowers the DC power bus at 24 VDC as provided by the 24 VDC power sourceconnected to the primary device port (143).

The reconfigurable power channel (152) is configured as shown in FIG. 5by opening switches (257) and (255) and closing switches (253) and(259). The DC to DC power converter (220) is set to receive an inputpower signal from the DC power bus at 24 VDC and to step the input powersignal up to 32 VDC in order to power the 32 VDC power load connected tothe device port (142).

The reconfigurable power channel (151) is also configured as shown inFIG. 5 by opening switches (257) and (255) and closing switches (253)and (259). The DC to DC power converter (221) is set to receive an inputpower signal from the DC power bus at 24 VDC and to step the input powersignal down to 12 VDC in order to recharge the 12 VDC rechargeablebattery connected to the device port (141).

If at any time, the 12 VDC rechargeable DC battery connected to thedevice port (141) is used as a power source to allocate input power tothe power bus, the reconfigurable power channel (152) is reconfigured asshown in FIG. 6 by opening switches (253) and (259) and closing switches(255) and (257). The DC to DC power converter (221) is set to receive aninput power signal from the rechargeable DC battery connected to thedevice port (141) at 12 VDC and to step the input power signal up to 24VDC in order to deliver input power to the power bus (110).

In a further exemplary operating example, each of the DC to DC powerconverters is operable to modulate current amplitude of a power signalpassing through the DC to DC power converter. In particular the currentamplitude of a power signal entering the power converter input terminal(222) may be passed through the DC to DC power converter substantiallyunmodulated, i.e. at full current amplitude, of substantially fullymodulated, i.e. substantially zero current amplitude.

6.4.1.3 Exemplary Operating Mode for a Second Network Configuration

Still referring to FIG. 8 and steps (805) through (860), during steps(805)-(815) the digital data processor (120) determines that a primaryexternal DC power device (163) interfaced with a primary device port(143) is a DC power source with an operating voltage approximatelycentered on 24VDC, that a secondary external DC power device (161)connected to converter device port (141) is a rechargeable DC batterywith an operating voltage approximately centered on 24 VDC, and that asecondary external DC power device (162) connected to converter deviceport (142) is a rechargeable DC battery with an operating voltageapproximately centered on 24 VDC.

In steps (820) and (825) the energy management schema sets the power busDC operating voltage at 24 VDC and determines that the DC power sourceconnected to the primary device port (143) has the highest sourcepriority and that each of rechargeable DC batteries connected to deviceports (141, 142) have an equal load priority.

In steps (830) and (835) the energy management schema determines theinstantaneous input power available from the DC power source connectedto device port (143) as well as the instantaneous input power availablefrom each of the rechargeable DC batteries connected to the device ports(141, 142). The energy management schema determines the instantaneouspower load being demanded by each of the rechargeable DC batteriesconnected to the device ports (141, 142), e.g. based on the State ofCharge (SoC) and energy storage capacity of each rechargeable DC batteryconnected to the device port (141, 142). Thereafter the instantaneousinput power may be equally divided between the two rechargeable DCbatteries, may be fully allocated to one or the other of the tworechargeable DC batteries, or may be partially allocated to each of thetwo rechargeable DC batteries in unequal portions.

In steps (840)-(850) the energy management schema determines aconnection scheme for connecting each device to the DC power bus (110)according to the power allocation scheme. Along the primary powerchannel (153) the switch (261) is closed to connect the primary deviceport (143) and the connected DC power source to the power bus. This steppowers the DC power bus at 24 VDC as provided by the 24 VDC power sourceconnected to the primary device port (143).

The reconfigurable power channels (151, 152) are both configured asshown in FIG. 7 by opening switches (257) and (259) and closing switches(253) and (255). The DC to DC power converter (220) of each circuit(151, 152) is not in use so may be powered down.

In an alternate connection scheme, the reconfigurable power channels(151, 152) are both configured as shown in FIG. 5 by opening switches(255) and (257) and closing switches (253) and (259). In this case theDC to DC power converter (220) is set for no voltage change and is stillusable to attenuate current without a DC to DC voltage conversion. If atany time, one or both of the 24 VDC rechargeable DC batteries connectedto the device port (141, 142) is used as a power source to allocateinput power to the power bus, the reconfigurable power channels (151,152) do not require reconfiguration as long as the DC power busoperating voltage is 24 VDC.

6.4.1.4 Exemplary Operating Mode for a Third Network Configuration

Still referring to FIG. 8 and steps (805) through (860), during steps(805)-(815) the digital data processor (120) determines that a primaryexternal DC power device (163) interfaced with a primary device port(143) is a DC power load with an operating voltage approximatelycentered on 12 VDC, that a secondary external DC power device (161)connected to converter device port (141) is a rechargeable DC batterywith an operating voltage approximately centered on 24 VDC, and that asecondary external DC power device (162) connected to converter deviceport (142) is a rechargeable DC battery with an operating voltageapproximately centered on 32 VDC.

In steps (820) and (825) the energy management schema sets the power busDC operating voltage at 12 VDC and determines that the DC power loadconnected to the primary device port (143) has the highest load priorityand that each of the rechargeable DC batteries connected to device ports(141, 142) have an equal load and an equal source priority.

In steps (830) and (835) the energy management schema determines theinstantaneous input power available from each of the rechargeable DCbatteries connected to device ports (141) and (142). The energymanagement schema determines the instantaneous power load being demandedby each of the rechargeable DC batteries connected to the device ports(141, 142), e.g. based on the State of Charge (SoC) and energy storagecapacity of each rechargeable DC battery connected to the device port(141, 142). Thereafter the instantaneous input power available from oneor both of the rechargeable DC batteries connected to the device ports(141, 142) is allocated to the power the DC power load connected to theprimary device port (143).

In steps (840)-(850) the energy management schema determines aconnection scheme for connecting each external power device to the DCpower bus (110) according to the power allocation scheme. Along theprimary power channel (153) the switch (261) is closed to connect theprimary device port (143) and the connected DC power load to the powerbus. The reconfigurable power channels (151, 152) are both configured asshown in FIG. 6 by opening switches (253) and (259) and closing switches(255) and (257). The DC to DC power converter (221) associated withreconfigurable power circuit (151) is set to receive an input powersignal at 24 VDC from the rechargeable DC battery connected to thedevice port (141) and to step the input power signal down to 12 VDC inorder to deliver input power to the power bus (110). The DC to DC powerconverter (220) associated with reconfigurable power circuit (152) isset to receive an input power signal at 32 VDC from the rechargeable DCbattery connected to the device port (142) and to step the input powersignal down to 12 VDC in order to deliver input power to the power bus(110).

In order to meet the power demand of the DC power load connected to theprimary device port (143) either one of the rechargeable DC batteriesconnected to secondary device ports (141) and (142) can be usedexclusively by connecting one or the other to the DC power bus.Alternately, in order to meet the power demand of the DC power loadconnected to the primary device port (143) both of the rechargeable DCbatteries connected to secondary device ports (141) and (142) can beconnected to the DC power bus at the same time. In cases where theinstantaneous input power available from one the rechargeable DCbatteries connected to the device ports (141) and (142) exceeds the DCpower load demanded by the DC power source connected to device port(143) any unallocated power is directed to the other rechargeable DCbatteries by reconfiguring the associated reconfigurable circuit toreceive DC power from the power bus, e.g. as is shown in FIG. 5. Howeverthis action is controlled by the energy management schema by configuringreconfigurable power channels to distribute unallocated instantaneousinput power to selected rechargeable DC batteries based on the state ofcharge and charge capacity of the connected rechargeable DC batteries.According to a further exemplary operating mode one or both of the DC toDC power converters is set to modulate current amplitude as a means ofmodulating instantaneous input power being delivered to the DC power bus(110). According to a further exemplary operating mode DC power is onlydrawn from the rechargeable DC battery having the highest instantaneousinput power available. According to another exemplary operating mode DCpower is only drawn from the rechargeable DC battery having the lowestinstantaneous input power available.

6.4.2 Maximum Power Point Tracking Exemplary Operational Mode

In a further non-limiting exemplary network configuration and operatingmode, a DC power load or rechargeable DC battery having a low state ofcharge is connected to the primary device port (143). A first highpriority power source such as a renewable energy source, e.g., a solarblanket or wind turbine, or the like, that tends to have a continuouslyfluctuating voltage and therefore continuously variable power amplitudeis connected to secondary converter device port (141). A second highpriority power source such as a renewable energy source, e.g., a solarblanket or wind turbine, or the like, that tends to have a continuouslyfluctuating voltage and therefore continuously variable power amplitudeis connected to a secondary converter device port (142).

In one operating mode the energy management schema sets the DC busvoltage to match the operating voltage of the DC power load or of thelow state of charge rechargeable DC battery and connects all of theexternal power device to the DC power bus using appropriate powerconversion settings as described above.

In a further exemplary operating mode, the digital data processor (120)is operable to run Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms tomodulate input power from one or both of the high priority DC powersources connected to the converter device ports (141, 142). The MPPTalgorithms are usable to convert input power from the variable voltagesecondary power sources (e.g. having time varying input power amplitude)to usable power having substantially constant voltage that is compatiblewith the operating voltage of the DC power bus (110). The operatingvoltage range of the input power source can be determined either bycommunicating with the input power source or may be inferred from sensorsignal feedback. Once the input voltage range is determined the digitaldata processor (120) configures the reconfigurable converter powercircuit (151, 152) corresponding to the converter device port (141, 142)as a power converting input power channel (232), as shown in FIG. 6, andprovides set points to the DC to DC power converter (220, 221) to matchthe incoming voltage to the bus compatible operating voltage.Additionally each DC to DC power converter (220, 221) is operable tomodulate input current amplitude between substantially zero throughputand full throughput. Thus the digital data processor (120) is operableto monitor input power amplitude at the power sensor (210, 211) and tomodulate power output amplitude exiting the DC to DC power converters byvarying current amplitude at the DC to DC power converter (220, 221).

It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that, while theinvention has been described above in terms of preferred embodiments, itis not limited thereto. Whereas exemplary embodiments include specificcharacteristics such as, for example, numbers of device ports, certainbus voltages and voltage ranges, power converter ranges, DC-to-DC powerconversion, those skilled in the art will recognize that its usefulnessis not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the abovedescribed invention may be used individually or jointly. Further,although the invention has been described in the context of itsimplementation in a particular environment, and for particularapplications (e.g. implemented within a power manager), those skilled inthe art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto andthat the present invention can be beneficially utilized in any number ofenvironments and implementations where it is desirable to selectivelyconnect power devices to a common power bus and to manage powerdistributing and minimize power losses due to power conversions or otherfactors related to power parameters of power devices. Accordingly, theclaims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadthand spirit of the invention as disclosed herein.

1. A DC to DC power manager comprising: a DC power bus; a digital dataprocessor, a memory device in communication with the digital dataprocessor and energy management schema operating on the digital dataprocessor; a single primary device port; a primary power channeldisposed between the primary device port and the DC power bus and aprimary switch operable by the digital data processor disposed along theprimary power channel; one or more converter device ports each includinga reconfigurable power channel disposed between the converter deviceport and the DC power bus; wherein the reconfigurable power channelincludes a one-way DC to DC power converter having an input terminal andan output terminal and a plurality of secondary switches; and, whereinthe one-way DC to DC power converter and each of the plurality ofswitches is independently operable by the digital data processor toconfigure the reconfigurable power channel into one of three differentpower channel configurations.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The DC to DC powermanager of claim 1 wherein the digital data processor is operable toestablish a power conversion setting of the one-way DC to DC powerconverter wherein the power conversion setting cause an input powersignal entering the input terminal to be power converted by the one-wayDC to DC power converter according to the power conversion settings toan output power signal having a different power amplitude exiting theoutput terminal.
 4. The DC to DC power manager of claim 3 wherein thepower conversion settings one of step up and step down a voltage of apower signal passing from the input terminal to the output terminal. 5.The DC to DC power manager of claim 3 wherein the power conversionsettings one of: step up and step down a voltage of a power signalpassing from the input terminal to the output terminal; or modulatecurrent amplitude of the power signal passing from the input terminal tothe output terminal.
 6. The DC to DC power manager of claim 3 whereinthe power conversion settings exclusively modulate current amplitude ofa power signal passing from the input terminal to the output terminal.7. The DC to DC power manager of claim 3 wherein one of the threedifferent power channel configurations is a bus compatible power channelwherein the plurality of secondary switches corresponding with one ofthe one or more converter device ports is operated by the digital dataprocessor to connect the corresponding device port to the DC power busover a power channel that does not pass through the one-way DC to DCpower converter.
 8. The DC to DC power manager of claim 3 wherein one ofthe three different power channel configurations is a power convertinginput power channel wherein the plurality of secondary switchescorresponding with one of the one or more converter device ports isoperated by the digital data processor to connect the correspondingdevice port to the input terminal of the one-way DC to DC powerconverter and to connect the output terminal of the one-way DC to DCpower converter to the DC power bus.
 9. The DC to DC power manager ofclaim 3 wherein one of the three different power channel configurationsis a power converting output power channel wherein the plurality ofsecondary switches corresponding with one of the one or more converterdevice ports is operated by the digital data processor to connect thecorresponding device port to the output terminal of the one-way DC to DCpower converter and to connect the input terminal of the one-way DC toDC power converter to the DC power bus.
 10. The DC to DC power managerof claim 1 further comprising a primary channel sensor in communicationwith the digital data processor disposed along the primary channelbetween the primary switch and the primary device port for sensing anyone of instantaneous voltage amplitude, instantaneous current amplitudeand instantaneous power amplitude along the primary power channel. 11.The DC to DC power manager of claim 1 wherein the reconfigurable powerchannel corresponding with one of the one or more converter device portsfurther comprises a converter sensor in communication with the digitaldata processor disposed proximate to the converter device port forsensing one of instantaneous voltage amplitude, instantaneous currentamplitude and instantaneous power amplitude along the reconfigurablepower channel.
 12. The DC to DC power manager of claim 1 wherein thereconfigurable power channel comprises four operable switches eachindependently operable by the digital data processor.
 13. The DC to DCpower manager of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of digitalcommunication channels forming a communication network that extends fromthe digital data processor to the primary device port and to each of theone or more converter device ports.
 14. The DC to DC power manager ofclaim 1 further comprising an enclosure (170) formed by a plurality ofenclosure side walls (172) an enclosure top wall (174) and an enclosurebottom wall opposed to the enclosure top wall (174) wherein theenclosure walls are joined together to enclose the power manager (100)in a weather tight environment.
 15. The DC to DC power manager of claim1 wherein each of the primary device port and the one or more converterdevice ports comprises a wire terminated inside the enclosure at aproximal end thereof, wherein the wire extends out from the enclosurethrough an enclosure sidewall and is terminated at a distal end thereofby a first physical connector.
 16. The DC to DC power manager of claim15 wherein the first physical connector is suitable for connecting withan external DC power device having a comparable second physicalconnector associated therewith, wherein the first physical connector andthe second physical connector can be connected together to electricallyinterface an external DC power device to the first physical connectorand can be disconnected from each by a user to remove the external DCpower device from the device port.
 17. A method for operating a powermanager that includes a DC power bus, a digital data processor, a memorydevice in communication with the digital data processor, energymanagement schema operating on the digital data processor, a primarydevice port having a primary external DC power device electricallyinterfaced thereto, one or more converter device ports, at least onesecondary external DC power device electrically interfaced to one of theconverter device ports, a communication network that extends from thedigital data processor to the primary device port and to each of the oneor more converter device ports, a primary power channel disposed betweenthe primary device port and the DC power bus wherein the primary powerchannel include a primary switch operable by the digital data processor,and a reconfigurable power channel disposed between each of the one ormore converter device ports and the DC power bus wherein thereconfigurable power channel includes a one-way DC to DC power converterhaving an input terminal and an output terminal and a plurality ofsecondary switches wherein each of the primary switch, the plurality ofsecondary switches and the DC to DC power converter is independentlyoperable by the digital data processor; the method comprising the stepsof: polling, by the digital data processor, all of the device ports todetermine, for each external DC power device connected to a device port,a device type and an operating voltage thereof; determining, by theenergy management schema, instantaneous input power available from allof the external DC power devices electrically interfaced to a deviceport and instantaneous power load being demanded by all of the externalDC power devices electrically interfaced to a device port; matching bythe energy management schema, an operating voltage of the DC power buswith an operating voltage of the primary external DC power device;determining, by the energy management schema, a connection scheme forconnecting a plurality of external DC power devices interfaced with aplurality of different device ports to the DC power bus; and, connectinga plurality of external DC power devices electrically interfaced to aplurality of different external device ports to the DC power bus byoperating a plurality of the primary switch and the plurality ofsecondary switches.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step ofconnecting the plurality of external DC power devices electricallyinterfaced to the plurality of different external device ports to the DCpower bus includes connecting the primary DC power device to the DCpower bus.
 19. (canceled)
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein thereconfigurable power channel is reconfigurable to any one of threedifferent power channel configurations and the step of determining theconnection scheme further comprises the step of determining, by theenergy management schema, for each of the at least one secondaryexternal (original) DC power devices electrically interfaced to one ofthe converter device ports which one of the three different powerchannel configurations to establish.
 21. The method of claim 20 furthercomprising the steps of: selecting, by the energy management schema, toconfigure the reconfigurable power channel as a bus compatible powerchannel wherein the bus compatible power channel is selected for eachsecondary external DC power device that an operating voltage that ismatched with the operating voltage of the DC power bus; and, operating,by the digital data processor, for each reconfigurable power channelbeing configured as a bus compatible power channel one or more of theplurality of secondary switches to directly connect correspondingexternal DC power devices to the DC power bus without a powerconversion.
 22. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of:selecting, by the energy management schema, to configure thereconfigurable power channel as a power converting input channel whereinthe power converting input power channel is selected for each secondaryexternal DC power device that is a DC power source having an operatingvoltage that is not matched with the operating voltage of the DC powerbus; operating, by the digital data processor, for each reconfigurablepower channel being configured as a power converting input channel oneor more of the plurality of secondary switches to connect correspondingexternal DC power devices to the input terminal of the DC to DC powerconverter and to connect the output terminal of DC to DC power converterto the DC power bus; and, configuring, by the digital data processor,the one-way DC to DC power converter to one of step up and step down aninput power signal voltage received from the corresponding external DCpower device at the input terminal of the DC to DC power converter to anoutput power signal exiting from the output terminal of the DC to DCpower converter having a voltage that is matched to the operatingvoltage of the DC power bus.
 23. The method of claim 20 furthercomprising the steps of: selecting, by the energy management schema, toconfigure the reconfigurable power channel as a power converting outputchannel wherein the power converting output power channel is selectedfor each secondary external DC power device that is a DC power load anda rechargeable DC battery having an operating voltage that is notmatched with the operating voltage of the DC power bus; operating, bythe digital data processor, for each reconfigurable power channel beingconfigured as a power converting output channel one or more of theplurality of secondary switches to connect corresponding external DCpower devices to the output terminal of the DC to DC power converter andto connect the input terminal of DC to DC power converter to the DCpower bus; and, configuring, by the digital data processor, the one-wayDC to DC power converter to one of step up and step down an input powersignal voltage received from the DC power bus at the input terminal ofthe DC to DC power converter to an output power signal exiting from theoutput terminal of the DC to DC power converter having a voltage that ismatched to the operating voltage of the secondary external DC powerdevice having an operating voltage that is not matched with theoperating voltage of the DC power bus.
 24. The method of claim 17wherein the device type includes one of a DC power source, a DC powerload and a rechargeable DC battery and wherein the step of polling, bythe digital data processor, all of the device ports to determine, foreach external DC power device connected to a device port, a device typeand an operating voltage further comprises: determining, by the digitaldata processor, for each DC power source and for each rechargeable DCbattery a source priority; determining, by the digital data processor,for each rechargeable DC battery a state of charge and a batterycapacity; and, selecting, by the energy management schema, a combinationof the DC power sources and the rechargeable DC batteries to include asinstantaneous input power.
 25. The method of claim 17 wherein the devicetype includes one of a DC power source, a DC power load -and arechargeable DC battery and wherein the step of polling, by the digitaldata processor, all of the device ports to determine, for each externalDC power device connected to a device port, a device type and anoperating voltage further comprises: determining, by the digital dataprocessor, for each DC power load and for each rechargeable DC batter aload priority; determining, by the digital data processor, for eachrechargeable DC battery connected to the power manager a state of chargeand a battery capacity; selecting, by the energy management schema, acombination of the DC power loads and rechargeable DC batteries includeas instantaneous power load.
 26. (canceled)